Sunday, September 13, 2015

I decided to join in on Slow Stitchin' Sunday by doing the binding on this small wall hanging.

I showed the applique block back in June but just added the border a day or two ago. Choosing the small pink check fabric for the border was the right choice for me. Simple. I big stitch quilted the piece with perle cotton thread. I used wool for the flower stems. The rest is cotton needle turn applique. I used a design from a booklet by Bird In Hand Primitives called "Thyme For Valetines". I enlarged the design to be able to use it for applique. The piece measures 10 inches by 16 inches so not very big.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

I made two more basket blocks for the "Piece & Plenty" block of the month quilt. I am not keeping up with it like I should have been.

Now I will share with you a failure I had at making a floor cloth. I used a Blackbird Designs pattern and was following their directions. When I got towards the end, I had the stain ready to use but did not check the directions again. If I had, I would have known to apply a small section of the stain and wipe it off before moving across the piece to apply more stain. Instead, I applied stain over the whole piece and walked away. When I came back to it, the stain was dry and made the piece too dark. You can barely see the design I stenciled on the floor cloth. I know of no way to salvage the project and it has stayed rolled up in the sewing room closet for ages. I had intentions of starting from the beginning on another piece of cloth but needed paint. I lost interest in the project all together. I suppose I will donate the piece as is to the local church thrift store. Maybe someone will think it is wonderful and take it home with them. Have you ever made a floor cloth? I had intended to use this on the dining room table. A friend did one a long time ago from this design and I have admired it many times.

Monday, September 7, 2015

I finished the border parts for Lancaster Album yesterday and put the top together today. I used a pattern by Kathy Schmitz. I did needleturn applique on this one. The booklet is out of print.

I stitched more blocks for Sweet & Simple.

I put all that I have done up on the design wall. These are not the order they will be sewn together.

I found a copy of an out of print quilt book that I have been searching for now for a couple years. I feel very fortunate to have found one and at a reasonable price. It would be nice if the museum re-printed the book. It was published in 1980. I think they would sell quite a few if they were available again.

Enjoy your Labor Day holiday if you live where it is celebrated.
Karen